During a historic trip in May 2002 as the first former or sitting U.S. president to visit Cuba since the 1959 Cuban revolution, President Carter called on the U.S. and Cuban governments to mend relations.

Waging Peace

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urged the United States to end its economic embargo against Cuba, in place since 1959, and President Fidel Castro to hold free elections, improve human rights, and allow greater civil liberties. President Carter's main goals in visiting the island nation were to meet Cuban people from all walks of life, to establish a dialogue with President Fidel Castro and other government officials, and to explore ways to ease the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

A nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and human rights; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization (Tax ID# 58-1454716).